Spicy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Spicy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a bold, easy-to-make weeknight dinner packed with sweet, spicy, and savory flavor. Juicy chicken tenders are seared to golden perfection and coated in a sticky honey butter garlic glaze with a spicy kick. Ideal for busy evenings or when you're craving something indulgent and crave-worthy, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Pan-Searing, Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 lb chicken tenders
1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for a light crust)
For the Spicy Honey Garlic Butter Glaze:
¼ cup honey
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
½–1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
Pinch of salt
Instructions
-
Season the Chicken:
In a bowl, toss chicken tenders with garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, black pepper, salt, and flour if using. -
Pan-Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the tenders for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside. -
Make the Glaze:
Reduce heat to medium. In the same pan, melt butter, add garlic and sauté until fragrant (~30 seconds). Stir in honey, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Simmer 1–2 minutes. -
Coat the Chicken:
Return tenders to the pan and toss to coat in the glaze. Let rest off heat 1–2 minutes. -
Serve:
Serve warm with extra glaze. Great with rice, roasted veggies, or on its own.
Notes
-
Reduce or omit red pepper flakes for a milder dish.
-
Add lemon or orange juice to the glaze for a citrusy twist.
-
Air fry or bake the tenders for a lighter option.
-
Make it dairy-free by using plant-based butter.
-
For added crunch, dip tenders in egg and panko before cooking.
